Gronski became distressed when he heard the name of the student, for it occurred to him that if the encounter with Ladislaus ended with the police, then the consequences for Laskowicz might prove fatal directly. But not desiring to betray his uneasiness before Marynia, and at the same time wishing to better quiet her, he spoke to her half jokingly: "So that was Laskowicz? Then I already know what he wanted. Ah! Ah!--Some one begins to play not only on the violin but on the soul.--Only why did you allow yourself to be so frightened?" "For he also threatened," answered Marynia. "He threatened all terribly--" "Such bugbears only children fear." "True! Especially as I am to play for the hungry; they will not do any wrong to me or any of us." "Assuredly not," confirmed Gronski. Conversing thus, they reached home. Gronski surrendered Marynia to Pani Otocka's care and when, after a moment, Hanka appeared, he related to them everything which had occurred. He likewise had to quiet Pani Otocka, who, knowing of the letters, took the whole occurrence very much to heart and announced that immediately after the concert they would leave for Zalesin, and afterwards go abroad. After the lapse of a half hour he left and on the stairs met Ladislaus. "God be praised," he said, "I see that it did not end with the police. Do you know that the man was Laskowicz?" "And it seemed so to me," said Ladislaus with animation; "but this one had light hair. How is Marynia?" "She was frightened a little but now is well. Both ladies are at her side and dandle her like a little chicken. They are so occupied with her that Pani Otocka certainly will not receive you." "And I thought so; especially, if she is there," answered Ladislaus, with bitterness; "so I will only leave my card and will return at once. Do you care to wait for me?" "Very well." Accordingly, he returned after a while, and when they were on the street, he began to say: "Yes! and to me it seemed that he was Laskowicz but I was puzzled by the light tuft of hair on his head and the spectacles. After all there was no time for thinking." "Listen--you undoubtedly cudgelled him?" asked Gronski. And Ladislaus answered reluctantly: "Far too much, for he is an emaciated creature, and he evidently did not have a revolver." For some time they walked in silence; after which Gronski said: "Your mother needs a cure; the ladies will depart from here immediately after the concert and Miss Anney undoubtedly with them. I would advise you also to think about yourself." Ladislaus waved his hand. At the same time in a garret in the quarters of the "female associate," Laskowicz said to Pauly: "Pan Krzycki is a true gentleman. He battered me a while ago because I dared to approach her." And he began to laugh through his set teeth. XIV